Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Diane Papan has named the San Mateo County Parks Foundation as the 2025 Nonprofit of the Year for the 21st Assembly District. The Foundation was honored on May 21 at the annual Nonprofit of the Year event hosted by the California Association of Nonprofits on the lawn of the California State Capitol, recognizing the outstanding contributions of nonprofits across the state.
“The San Mateo County Parks Foundation has been instrumental in ensuring that our parks remain vibrant, accessible, and well-maintained for generations to come,” said Assemblymember Diane Papan. “Their tireless efforts in securing funding and support for our county parks have made an indelible impact on our community, and I am proud to recognize their invaluable work.”
Founded in 1998, the San Mateo County Parks Foundation was created to provide additional financial support for recreational, environmental, and educational programs and projects within the San Mateo County Department of Parks. Unlike neighboring counties, San Mateo County does not have a dedicated funding source for park improvements and outdoor recreational programming. The Foundation steps in to bridge this gap by securing grants and contributions from individuals, businesses, and other foundations, ensuring that the county’s natural resources remain protected and accessible to all.
Over the years, the Foundation has provided more than $13 million to support and enhance local parks. Its work has funded key projects such as trail maintenance, habitat restoration, youth environmental education field trips, and improvements to beloved sites like Coyote Point, Memorial Park, and Edgewood Preserve.
“Our parks are a vital part of our community, providing not just recreation but also important environmental education and conservation opportunities,” said Michele Beasley, Executive Director of the San Mateo County Parks Foundation. “We are honored to receive this recognition from Assemblymember Papan and remain committed to ensuring that our county’s parks continue to thrive for all to enjoy.”
The Foundation’s core programs include the popular Bicycle Sunday events, county park volunteer programs, and the newest – San Mateo County Park posters, which engages the local arts community. Additionally, it supports significant park improvement projects such as accessible pathways at Sanchez Adobe, Flood Park playground renovations, and the Quarry Park pump track.
With a small but dedicated staff and a volunteer board of directors, the Foundation works closely with the San Mateo County Department of Parks to ensure that donor contributions are directed where they can make the greatest impact.